France has found its way back to success after its opening defeat in the Nations League. Two former Bundesliga professionals played a decisive role against Belgium.
Vice World Champion France celebrated its first victory of the season in the Nations League and made amends for the bitter opening defeat against Italy. The hosts beat Belgium, coached by German coach Domenico Tedesco, 2-0 (1-0) in Lyon and showed improvement.
In the arena that was not sold out, former Frankfurt player Randal Kolo Muani (29th) and ex-Dortmund player Ousmane Dembelé (57th), both now under contract with Paris Saint-Germain, scored for the French. Superstar Kylian Mbappé only came on as a substitute in the 67th minute and missed several great chances.
Three days after the 1:3 defeat in the classic against Italy, things weren’t going well for the French again, although they had the better chances to score in the match refereed by German FIFA referee Tobias Stieler. The lead through a tap-in by Kolo Muani was by no means undeserved. Tedesco’s Belgians, who had won their opening match 3:1 against Israel, continued to play with commitment but were too harmless.
Leipzig’s Loïs Openda, who like Frankfurt’s Arthur Theate started the match, failed to score for Belgium for the 18th time in a row. Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano was in the French starting eleven. His Bayern colleague Michael Olise, who made his debut against Italy, was substituted on this time.
